Anti-establishment fervor dominates 1st round of French presidential election

By Robert A. Vella

For the first time in modern history, no major party candidate will advance past the first round of presidential elections in France.  Many political analysts are attributing this result to the growing anti-establishment fervor in western democracies which produced the victories of Brexit in the U.K. and Donald Trump in the U.S.

Far-right nationalist Marine Le Pen and independent centrist Emmanuel Macron will move on to the presidential runoff election on May 7th.

Further reading:

French Socialist candidate Hamon concedes defeat

What We Know: Macron and Le Pen Appear Headed for Runoff

List of political parties in France